Ivorian footballer dies after collapsing on pitch in Abidjan

Former Sewe Sport and Asec Mimoas player Eugene Koffi Kouame has died after collapsing during a football match at Koumassi Stadium in Abdijan South.

The 29-year-old Ivorian striker who turns for Turkish side Egirdirspor was playing the match with a group of friends,when he passed out and was rushed to hospital.

But emergency treatment failed to revive him and was later confirmed that he had passed away.

Advertisement

A statement from his club Egirdirspor has indicated that Kouma suffered a heart attack and died after on- field collapse yesterday.

“…. It is while wanting to maintain the form with buddies and other footballers at the economic capital, that he met the death due to a heart attack,”reads the statement published by French news outlet,FirstMagazine.

When news broke of Kouame’s tragic death,Ivorian football fans led by Eliton Kibaya took their Facebook page to pay their respects.

“As Ivory Coast football fans, we are in shock following the sudden death of one of our own, a player who had a bright future and a lot to offer to our football,” wrote Elton Kibaya,the football fans group chair.

The tragedy struck a month after another Ivory Coast player,Cheick Tiote, also collapsed and died during a training match with Chinese side Beijing Enterprises.